Food news: 'solidarity tax' in Hackney

New network Ernest UK is introducing a 'solidarity tax' linking restaurants in east London to local food charities

This month, food solidarity network Ernest UK is launching a campaign to link restaurants with local food charities by introducing a 'solidarity tax'. Morito, Clutch, The Richmond and Hackney City Farm's Frizzante café are amongst the fantastic eateries that will be participating. For its first campaign in the UK, Ernest has chosen the Hackney Migrant Centre and Spitalfields Crypt Trust as the charities to receive the donations.

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Ernest France was originally founded in Paris, where the project launched in February 2015. The first campaign in the capital was followed by a second in Toulouse, altogether raising over €25,000.

Luca Piffaretti

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'They do some really amazing events,' said Eva Tausig, who will be heading the new British campaign. One such event was a community meal in a Paris mosque that sought to 're-engage communities and build trust' following the devastating attacks at the Bataclan theatre.

Eva hopes to expand into events following the French model. Meanwhile, the solidarity tax offers a flexible way of building a social conscience into the east London food scene. 'The restaurants can put any amount either on a particular dish or on the end of the bill. It's really flexible - there's no pressure to earn a certain amount.'

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Issy Croker

This project is not open-ended - localism and transparency is key, and funds raised will go directly back into the local area. The aim is to raise £2,500 for each of the two charities, which will pay for a year's worth of food at the Hackney Migrant Centre and cover all the equipment and ingredients for a year of cookery classes at Spitalfields Crypt Trust.

'We didn't just want to support food banks,' said organiser Eva. 'The charities we've chosen are using food as a catalyst for long-term sustainable change.' This particular initiative sets itself apart from other charitable schemes by creating direct links between locals' foodie habits and the work of community support services.